Re: Bartlettina sordida

I am confused,(as I often can be), about this species.
 The form of this as labeled at the Strybing Arboretum
is a monster sized large shrub, at least 15 to 20 feet
tall, with over 12" wide velvety leaves and no purple
cast to the foliage, and the typical ageratum type
violet flowers.  I have a form which is much better
sized for a garden, which is diminuitive in form
compared to the above, about 3 to 4 feet tall after 3
years in my garden.  The leaf form is similar, yet
much smaller,(only 4 to 5" long), and is shaded with a
purplish cast to the foliage, especially so this
winter with cooler weather.  This shrub has been
blooming almost continuously for the past 12 months. 
Phillips and Rix in their book, The Random House book
of Indoor and Greenhouse Plants, calls this plant
Eupatorium sordidum, and mentions that it is very
variable in size, and is commonly grown along the
Riviera.  There is also a photo of a plant which looks
much more like the one I have, called Ageratum
corymbosum, and these are all native to Mexico/Central
America.  

This purple leafed form is something that I had first
seen in Chris Rosmini's garden in southern California,
and if I remember correctly, I purchased the plant
from Steve Brigham of Buena Creek Gardens Nursery in
San Diego County.  Is anyone familiar with the plant
as it is grown at the Menton Botanic Garden in France,
or elsewhere?  I find it hard to believe that my plant
could possibly be just a variant of the form as seen
at Strybing.  It would seem that they must be two
different plants!  Anyone who could help me with this question?

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